Frank Dobson MP has criticised Lib Dem / Tory run Camden Council’s decision to cut funding to UK Online centres in Camden by more than 80%.  Frank said:  “The Lib Dems running the Town Hall were cutting our local services long before Nick Clegg’s call for ‘savage cuts’.  But the words of their leader seem to have given them renewed determination in their slash and burn approach to funding in Camden.

“UK Online centres provide the neediest in Camden with much needed access to the Internet, as well as computer training and English classes.  Children and young people use them for homework support and older people use them to keep in touch with friends and relatives.  They are a vital support network for many people.  This cut will result in some of Camden’s sixteen UK Online centres closing and reduced services at others, as well as job losses across the organisation.  It also comes at a time when more and more council services are going online.

“This latest cut is part of a worrying pattern.  The Lib Dems and Tories have made cuts to advice services, including Citizens Advice Bureaus to youth funding and recycling on estates, as well as hiking prices by 20% for meals on wheels for the elderly.  What upsets me most of all is that these cuts always seem to be aimed at the poorest and most vulnerable in Camden – the most socially polarised borough in London.  Why can’t the Council spend some of the £100 million it holds in its reserves on saving this vital service?

“There will be a public meeting about the cuts to UK Online at 7pm on Monday 1^st February, which I would encourage as many people as possible to attend.  I also urge everyone to sign the petition against the cuts at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/supportcamdenukonline-stop-the-c/”

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